S T A R K
.png)
Glossary
A
Akashic Records: Believed to be a vast, energetic archive that contains the history of every soul,
including past, present, and potential future experiences. Often described as a “cosmic library” or “universal database,” these records are thought to store all human thoughts, emotions, actions, and events across time and space. Many spiritual traditions suggest that individuals can access the Akashic Records through meditation, intuition, or deep spiritual work to gain insight,
healing, and guidance.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Potentially traumatic events that occur during
childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, which can have long-term effects
on physical and mental health.
Altered States of Consciousness: Mental states that differ significantly from normal waking
awareness, often achieved through meditation, hypnosis, or psychedelics.
Amygdala: A small, almond-shaped structure located deep within the brain’s temporal lobe. It is
part of the limbic system, which is involved in regulating emotions, memory, and behavior.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) controls involuntary functions in the body such as
heartbeat, breathing, digestion, and blood pressure. It has two main branches:
~Sympathetic Nervous System: activates “fight or flight” responses during stress.
~Parasympathetic Nervous System: promotes “rest and digest” functions to restore balance.
~The ANS continuously adjusts bodily functions to maintain homeostasis.
Autophagy: The body’s natural process of cellular “self-cleaning,” where cells break down and
recycle damaged or dysfunctional components. This process helps maintain cellular health by
clearing out waste, repairing damage, and creating energy or building blocks for new cellular
structures. Autophagy is essential for overall health, supporting longevity, reducing
inflammation, and improving resilience against stress and disease.
B
Binaural Beats: A sound therapy technique that uses two tones of slightly different frequencies
to create a perceived third tone, believed to influence brainwave activity and mental states.
C
Chakra: An energy center in the body, originating from ancient Indian spiritual traditions,
particularly Hinduism and Buddhism. The term chakra comes from the Sanskrit word meaning
wheel or circle, symbolizing the way energy flows within the body.
​
Clairaudience (Clear Hearing): Hearing sounds, voices, or messages that do not have a
physical source, as though receiving communication from an unseen realm.
Claircognizance (Clear Knowing): Experiencing spontaneous “downloads” of knowledge or
insight without any logical explanation.
Clairsentience (Clear Feeling): Sensing energy or emotions from people, places, or objects.
Clairtangency (Clear Touch): Gathering information by physically touching an object, known
as psychometry.
Clairvoyance (Clear Seeing): Receiving mental images or visions beyond the physical world,
often providing insight into people, places, or events.
Coherence: A state of harmony, order, and alignment. In a scientific or physiological sense, it
describes when different systems—such as the brain, heart, and nervous system—work in sync,
leading to better function and efficiency. In personal development, coherence is often associated with emotional balance, clear thinking, and a sense of flow.
Collective Consciousness: The shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes that operate as a
unifying force within society, or the interconnected awareness among people.
Cognitive and Affective Empathy: Two dimensions of empathy: cognitive empathy involves
understanding others’ emotions, while affective empathy involves feeling or sharing those
emotions.
Cosmology: The branch of science and philosophy that studies the origin, evolution, structure,
and eventual fate of the Universe.
D
Default Mode Network (DMN): A network of interacting brain regions active when the mind is
at rest, often associated with self-referential thinking and daydreaming.
Divine Intervention: The direct involvement or interference of a higher power, deity, or divine
force in the natural or human world. It is often seen as an extraordinary event or occurrence that
cannot be explained by natural laws or human actions, attributed instead to supernatural or
spiritual influence.
Divine Supercomputer: A metaphor used in the book to describe the human mind and body,
emphasizing its complexity and ability to access vast potential when optimized.
Dorsal Vagal State: The dorsal vagal state is a mode of the parasympathetic nervous system
associated with withdrawal, shutdown, and immobilization in response to overwhelming stress or perceived threats. Activation of the dorsal vagal branch of the vagus nerve can result in physical and emotional disconnection, fatigue, and a sense of numbness. While this state serves as a protective mechanism in extreme circumstances, prolonged activation can hinder emotional and physical well-being, making it crucial to re-establish a sense of safety to move out of this state.
Dualism (Mind-Body Problem): The view that the mind and body are separate substances.
E
Electrostatic Induction: The process by which a charged object creates a redistribution of
electric charge in a nearby neutral object without direct contact.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): A therapeutic practice combining tapping on specific
meridian points of the body with verbal affirmations to release emotional blockages and promote healing.
Energy Psychology: A therapeutic approach that combines traditional psychological methods
with concepts derived from Eastern medicine, particularly the body’s energy systems, such as
meridians and chakras. It operates on the premise that psychological issues and emotional
disturbances are reflected in the body’s energy field, and that by addressing and rebalancing this energy, emotional healing can occur.
Entrainment: A phenomenon where two or more systems synchronize with each other over
time, aligning their rhythms, frequencies, or patterns.
Epigenetics: The study of changes in gene expression caused by external or environmental
factors without altering the DNA sequence itself.
Epistemology: The branch of philosophy that studies the nature, origin, scope, and limits of
knowledge and understanding.
External Locus of Control: The belief that external factors, such as luck, fate, or the actions of
others, largely determine the outcomes of one’s life.
F
Fascia: A thin, connective tissue that surrounds and weaves through every muscle, bone, organ,
nerve, and blood vessel in the body, creating a continuous, three-dimensional web of support and structure. Made primarily of collagen and water, fascia provides stability, flexibility, and
communication throughout the body.
First Law of Thermodynamics: Conservation of Energy: Often phrased as “energy cannot be
created or destroyed,” the First Law states that the total energy of a system and its surroundings
is constant. Energy can only change forms (such as heat into work), but the total remains
conserved. It emphasizes the balance of energy transfer.
​
Frequency: The rate at which a vibration occurs, often used in the context of energy healing to
describe the vibrational states of living beings or environments.
Forgiveness Exercise: A practice aimed at releasing resentment or negative emotions toward
oneself or others, promoting inner peace and healing.
H
Havening: A psychosensory therapy technique involving gentle touch and positive affirmations
to reduce stress and emotional trauma.
Heart Coherence: A state in which the heart, brain, and emotions are synchronized, creating a
smooth and stable heart rhythm. This state is associated with feelings of peace, love, and
gratitude, leading to reduced stress and improved overall well-being.
Heart Rate Variability: Heart rate variability refers to the natural variation in the time interval
between consecutive heartbeats. Rather than beating like a metronome, a healthy heart adjusts its rhythm based on the body’s needs, influenced by the autonomic nervous system.
Hormetic Stress: A type of beneficial stress that strengthens the body and mind over time.
Small doses of stress—like cold exposure, fasting, or intense exercise—trigger the body’s
adaptive response, improving resilience, longevity, and overall health. This concept is known as
hormesis, where mild stress leads to positive biological adaptations.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis: A complex system of interactions among the
hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, crucial for regulating stress responses and
other body functions.
I
Idealism (Mind-Body Problem): The physical world, including the body, is ultimately a
product of the mind.
Impostor Syndrome: A psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their
accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evident success and competence. This experience often leads to feelings of intellectual self-doubt and insecurity.
Internal Locus of Control: The belief that one has control over one’s own life, decisions, and
outcomes.
Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System (ICNS): Referred to as the “heart’s little brain.” It is a
network of neurons located within the heart that allows the heart to regulate itself independently
of the brain. The ICNS helps manage heart rhythm, adapt to stress, and communicate with the
brain via the autonomic nervous system, playing a key role in emotional and physiological
regulation.
K
Ketosis: A metabolic state in which the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This
happens when carbohydrate intake is low, prompting the liver to produce ketones, which serve as an alternative energy source. Ketosis is a natural process that can occur during fasting, low-carb diets (such as the ketogenic diet), or prolonged exercise.
L
Law of Attraction: The belief or principle that positive or negative thoughts, emotions, and
intentions can attract corresponding experiences or outcomes into a person’s life. It suggests that like attracts like, and by focusing on specific desires or goals, one can influence reality to bring those desires into manifestation.
Long-Term Depression (LTD): A process in which synaptic connections between neurons
weaken due to infrequent activation, making communication between them less efficient.
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP): The strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons
that frequently fire together, reinforcing learning and memory processes.
M
Masking (in the context of neurodivergence): The conscious or unconscious suppression or
alteration of one’s natural behaviors, traits, or expressions to fit societal norms or expectations. It
is often used by neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism or ADHD, to blend in or
avoid stigma, judgment, or misunderstanding.
Materialism (Mind-Body Problem): The view that the mind is a result of physical processes in
the brain.
Meditation: A practice that involves focusing the mind to achieve a state of deep relaxation,
awareness, or spiritual connection.
Meridian: An energy pathway in the body, according to traditional Chinese medicine. These
pathways, similar to rivers of energy, allow life force energy to flow through the body,
connecting organs and systems. Meridians are used in acupuncture, acupressure, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to promote balance, release blockages, and support overall well-being.
​
Metacognition: The process of thinking about one’s own thinking, enabling greater self-
awareness and control over thoughts and emotions.
Mind-Body Problem: A philosophical and scientific question that explores the relationship
between the mind (consciousness, thoughts, emotions) and the body (physical matter, brain, and
biological processes).
Mindfulness: The practice of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity, openness,
and non-judgment. It involves being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations,
and surrounding environment without becoming overwhelmed or reactive.
Morphogenic Fields: Hypothetical fields that influence the patterns and behaviors of biological
systems, suggesting a collective memory or energy field.
Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI): A theory in quantum mechanics that suggests every time
a decision is made or a quantum event occurs, the universe splits into multiple parallel realities.
Each possible outcome happens in its own separate universe, meaning countless versions of
reality exist simultaneously.
N
Neuroception: A term introduced by Dr. Stephen Porges as part of his Polyvagal Theory. It
refers to the subconscious process by which the nervous system detects cues of safety, danger, or threat in the environment and within the body. Unlike perception, which involves conscious
awareness, neuroception occurs automatically, outside of conscious thought.
Neurodivergent: Individuals whose brain functions, processes, or behaviors differ from the
typical societal standard, encompassing conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. It
highlights natural variations in thinking and promotes acceptance and inclusion of diverse
cognitive styles.
Neurogenesis: The process of generating new neurons in the brain, which was once thought to
be impossible in adults but is now recognized as a key aspect of brain adaptability.
Neurons: Specialized brain cells that transmit information throughout the nervous system via
electrical and chemical signals.
Neuropeptides: Chemical messengers that facilitate communication between the brain, nervous
system, and immune system.
Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections throughout
life, particularly in response to learning, experience, or injury.
Non-Judgment: The practice of observing thoughts, feelings, or situations without assigning
labels such as “good” or “bad,” fostering neutrality and peace.
​
O
Observer Effect: The phenomenon in which the act of observation influences the outcome of
what is being observed. In quantum physics, it describes how particles can behave differently,
such as changing from a wave to a particle, when they are being measured or observed.
Beyond the scientific realm, the observer effect is often interpreted more broadly to suggest that
conscious awareness, attention, and intention can influence reality itself. In this context, it
implies that we are not passive bystanders in life, but active participants shaping our experiences through perception, belief, and focused awareness.
Ontology: A branch of philosophy that studies the nature of being, existence, and reality.
Optical Super-Radiance: A quantum phenomenon in which multiple particles, such as photons,
within a system emit light in a synchronized and amplified manner, resulting in bursts of
coherent light. In the context of microtubules, it suggests that these structures in the brain may
facilitate the emission of coherent light waves. This process is theorized to play a role in neural
communication and possibly in the generation of consciousness by enabling the transfer of
information within and beyond the brain at a quantum level.
P
Parallel Universes: The idea that multiple versions of reality exist at the same time, each with
different outcomes or possibilities. These universes may be completely separate or interact in
ways we don’t fully understand. The concept comes from quantum physics and suggests that
every choice or event could create a new branching reality.
Panpsychism (Mind-Body Problem): The view that consciousness is a fundamental feature of
all matter.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: A division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for
conserving energy and promoting rest and relaxation.
Piezoelectric Effect: A phenomenon in which certain materials, such as quartz crystals, generate
an electrical charge when mechanical stress (pressure) is applied to them. Conversely, when
exposed to an electric field, these materials can change shape slightly, converting electrical
energy into mechanical energy.
Polyvagal Theory: A framework (developed by Dr. Stephen Porges) for understanding how the
autonomic nervous system regulates our responses to safety, connection, and stress. It
emphasizes the role of the vagus nerve, which has two distinct branches—the ventral vagal and
dorsal vagal branches—each responsible for specific physiological and emotional states. The
theory provides insights into how humans transition between states of connection, fight-or-flight,
and shut down in response to their environment and perceived threats, highlighting the critical
importance of safety and social engagement for overall well-being.
Post-traumatic Growth (PTG): The positive psychological changes that occur as a result of
struggling with highly challenging, stressful, or traumatic life events. It involves personal
development that goes beyond the individual’s pre-trauma level of functioning, leading to a
greater sense of purpose, resilience, and well-being.
Prefrontal Cortex: The front part of the brain’s frontal lobes is located just behind the forehead.
It is a critical region for higher-level cognitive functions, often called executive functions.
Primo-Vascular System (PVS): A lesser-known system of channels in the body hypothesized to
play a role in the flow of energy and healing, as discussed in traditional Eastern medicine.
Proprioception: The body’s ability to sense its position, movement, and orientation in space
without relying on visual cues.
Q
Qi (pronounced “chee”): The vital life force energy that flows through all living beings,
according to traditional Chinese medicine and other Eastern philosophies.
Quantum Field: A concept in quantum physics that refers to the fundamental field of energy
and information that underlies all physical matter.
R
Radical Responsibility: A mindset where individuals take full ownership of their thoughts,
feelings, and actions, empowering them to shape their reality.
REACH Method: A structured approach to emotional healing and personal transformation. It
typically involves recognizing patterns, emotional release, awareness-building, conscious
reframing, and creating new habits. The core idea is to REACH beyond limitations and cultivate
a more empowered mindset.
Reminiscence Bump: A psychological phenomenon where adults, particularly those over 40,
recall a disproportionate number of autobiographical memories from their adolescence and early adulthood, typically between the ages of 10 and 30. This period often encompasses significant life events such as graduations, marriages, and the birth of children, which are pivotal in shaping one’s identity.
Reptilian Brain: The part of the brain responsible for controlling basic survival functions and
instinctual behaviors.
​
Resting Energy Expenditure (REE): Is the amount of energy—measured in calories—that your
body uses to perform basic, essential functions while at rest.
Reticular Activating System (RAS): A network in the brainstem that filters incoming sensory
information, prioritizing what’s most relevant based on focus and intention.
S
Secondary Gain: The indirect benefits a person might receive from having an illness, symptom,
or problem, often outside of their conscious awareness. These gains can reinforce the
continuation of the issue, even if the person consciously wants to heal or improve.
Second Law of Thermodynamics: Entropy and Irreversibility: The Second Law states that
the total entropy (disorder) of an isolated system never decreases over time; natural processes
tend to move toward a state of increased entropy. It also explains why some energy is always
“lost” as unusable heat in any energy transfer, making processes irreversible.
Self-Organization: A process in which systems spontaneously create order and structure
without external control, often used to describe personal growth or healing.
Solfeggio Scale: A set of specific sound frequencies believed to promote healing, relaxation, and
spiritual growth. These frequencies have been used in ancient chanting and sacred music, with
each tone said to influence different aspects of physical and emotional well-being.
Somatic Release: The process of releasing stored trauma, tension, or emotional energy from the
body through movement, breathwork, or therapeutic techniques. Since trauma is often held in the body, somatic practices like shaking, tapping (EFT), and deep breathing help discharge stuck energy and restore balance.
Spiritual Bypassing: The tendency to use spiritual ideas, practices, or beliefs to avoid facing
unresolved emotional wounds, psychological issues, or uncomfortable aspects of life.
Stark Effect: When light given off or absorbed by atoms changes because of an electric field.
This happens because the electric field affects the energy levels of the electrons in the atom,
causing shifts or splits in the light’s color.
String Theory: A theoretical framework in physics proposing that fundamental particles are not
points but rather one-dimensional strings that vibrate at specific frequencies.
Superposition: A principle in quantum mechanics stating that a particle or system can exist in
multiple states simultaneously until it is observed or measured. In this state, all possible
outcomes coexist, with probabilities assigned to each. Once measured, the system collapses into a single, definite state. This concept challenges classical notions of reality and has profound
implications in physics, consciousness studies, and even decision-making models.
​
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for
activating the fight-or-flight response during stress or danger. It increases heart rate, dilates
pupils, and releases stress hormones like adrenaline to prepare the body for action. When
overactive, it can contribute to anxiety, high blood pressure, and chronic stress-related
conditions.
Synaptic Plasticity: The ability of synapses (connections between neurons) to strengthen or
weaken over time based on activity levels, playing a fundamental role in learning and memory.
Synaptogenesis: The formation of new synaptic connections between neurons, enhancing
communication pathways in the brain.
Synaptic Pruning: The process by which the brain eliminates weak or unused neural
connections to optimize efficiency and function.
Synchronicities: Meaningful coincidences that seem too perfectly timed to be random. They are
events, signs, or encounters that align with a person’s thoughts, emotions, or life circumstances
in a way that feels significant. Many believe synchronicities are messages from the universe,
guiding them toward greater awareness or purpose.
T
Temporoparietal Junction (TPJ): A region of the brain located at the intersection of the
temporal and parietal lobes, roughly behind the ear on each side of the head. It plays a critical
role in a variety of cognitive and social processes, including self-other distinction, theory of mind
(understanding others’ mental states), empathy, attention reorientation, and spatial awareness.
Thermodynamics: A branch of physics dealing with heat, energy, and work. In the book,
principles of thermodynamics are applied metaphorically to personal transformation.
Third Law of Thermodynamics: Absolute Zero and Entropy: The Third Law states that as
the temperature of a system approaches absolute zero (0 Kelvin or -273.15°C), the entropy of a
perfectly ordered crystalline substance approaches zero. It implies that absolute zero is
unattainable because it would require an infinite amount of energy to remove the last traces of
thermal motion.
Toxic Positivity: The dismissal of negative emotions in favor of a relentless focus on positive
thinking, which can invalidate genuine feelings and hinder growth.
V
Ventral Vagal State: A mode of the parasympathetic nervous system characterized by feelings
of safety, connection, and calm. When the ventral vagal branch of the vagus nerve is active, it
supports social engagement, emotional regulation, and physical health by promoting “rest and
digest” functions like steady digestion, a balanced heart rate, and relaxation. This state allows
individuals to feel socially connected, engaged, and resilient, fostering harmony between the
mind and body.
Vibration: The oscillation or movement of energy, often referenced in metaphysics to describe
the energetic state of individuals or objects.
W
Wave-Particle Duality: The view that tiny particles, like electrons and light, can act both like
waves and like solid objects, depending on how they are observed. Sometimes they spread out
and move like a wave, and other times they behave like a tiny particle in one spot. This strange
behavior is a key part of quantum physics and shows that reality changes based on how we
measure it.
​
Z
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics: Thermal Equilibrium: The Zeroth Law states that if two
systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, then they are also in thermal equilibrium
with each other. This principle allows us to define temperature as a measure of thermal
equilibrium, forming the foundation for understanding heat transfer.